Lufkin police release name of 2-year-old boy who died after accidental shooting

LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) - LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) - In the wake of an accidental shooting incident that claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy Thursday night, the Lufkin Police Department has released the toddler’s name.

“No parent should ever have to bury a child,” said Jessica Pebsworth, a spokeswoman for the Lufkin Police Department. " Please keep this family in your prayers."

According to a press release, the 2-year-old victim has been identified as Axton Richardson. Axton was at a family member’s home in the Inwood Terrace subdivision when the accidental shooting occurred at about 8:45 p.m. Thursday.

The boy was rushed to a Lufkin hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later, the press release stated.

The incident is still under investigation, the press release stated.

“Lufkin Police chaplains provided support for the family at the hospital last night as well as officers, paramedics, and dispatchers,” the press release stated.

A friend of the family has set up a Go Fund Me account to help with expenses.

The press release also had a list of National Rifle Association recommendations for gun owners.

They include:

Make sure all firearms cannot be reached by anyone who should not have access to them without your consent. Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons, especially children.

Keep ammunition securely stored where a child or any other unauthorized person cannot reach it.

Talk to your child about guns, and gun safety. By removing the mystery surrounding guns, your child will be far less curious about guns, and more likely to follow safety rules.

Make sure your child understands the difference between a toy gun and a real gun, and the difference between “pretend” and real life.

Author

Digital Content Producer

Gary Bass grew up in Athens, Texas. He started his college career at Texas A&M University in College Station, and he finished up his bachelor’s degree in journalism at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. Gary started working as a web content producer for KTRE in September of 2012.